Private tour in London Jill D
5.0
(15) reviews
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Jill D.
5.0
Guide rating
31
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Tours delivered
9 hrs
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I'm a Londoner by choice, not by birth. I moved here after university, and stayed because I think it's the greatest city on earth! Over thirty years later I'm still finding out new things to see and do in London. I've been guiding tours for eight years now, and with ToursByLocals since 2023. I'm a qualified guide in the City of London (the financial 'square mile', a long history with a modern twist), in the City of Westminster (think tradition, royals, politics, parks, shopping), and in the London Borough of Camden (think literature, music, green squares, and hip areas such as Camden Town and King's Cross) - so basically all of central London, with a bit of North London in the mix. In fact I like guiding so much I now teach Tour Guiding. My favourite thing is sharing my love of our great city with others. Not just the well-known places, but the secret corners, the quirky facts, the stuff that makes London so special. I love talking about the people - women and men, real and fictional - the architecture, the open spaces, and the social history. You may just see a road, or a building, or a plaque, but I see a story to tell. And I want to share it with you. I did my first degree in Classics (Latin, Greek, Ancient History) at Oxford University, and then worked in Telecoms for many years, latterly as a project manager, so I have super organisational skills. Now I am free to do what I love, and that includes taking you on a walking tour. I've travelled extensively, particularly in the USA and Canada (shout out to the in-laws and cousins!), and I know what I want from a good tour when I am on vacation. I'll aim to provide that to you, and introduce you to the sights you may have heard of, and the ones you haven't, but will be glad you discovered them too. I am only too happy to customize any tour that takes your fancy, to meet your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you! I am an accredited City of London guide (Institute of Tourist Guiding Green Badge). I am an accredited City of Westminster guide. I am an accredited London Borough of Camden guide. I am not a Blue Badge guide, so am unable to guide within Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and St Paul's Cathedral. I provide walking tours of London, not driven tours.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jill D.
No, I can't afford to live there, but that doesn't stop me - or you - exploring their leafy squares, elegant streets, and atmospheric arcades. Let me show you the secrets of wealthy Mayfair and upper-class St James's. Mayfair's story starts over 300 years ago with a 12 year old heiress, but is now known as a place where the rich live, work and shop. I will tell you about its history, its many American connections, and the famous and infamous people who have lived here. We take in two squares, a garden, the birth place of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and much more. Across Piccadilly and a stop for a coffee break. Then we dive into St James's. It's discreet, very British, and very classy. We'll start at the parish church, then make our way around St James's, past gentlemen's clubs, the finest shops, and a royal palace. I'll point out where hats for Winston Churchill and Jacqueline Kennedy were made, where royals buy their boots and wine, and more, before we head back along The Mall to Trafalgar Square.
In Mayfair we will discover; • Brown Hart Gardens - a garden in the air • Grosvenor Square - the American connection • Mount Street Gardens - the history of Mayfair's poor • Shepherds Market - the May Fair, and a saucy history • Berkeley Square - elegant houses, gambling and Annabel's • Bruton Street - the Queen's birthplace • Bond Street - designer shops and fabulous window displays • The Royal Academy - world-class art • Burlington Arcade - undercover elegance In St James we will explore; • St James's Church - Christopher Wren at his best • St James's Square - a green oasis • Waterloo Place - statues, statues everywhere • Pall Mall - the world of Gentlemen's clubs • St James's shops - by royal appointment • St James's Palace - site of King Charles III's accession • The Mall & St James's Park - the processional route Please note this tour can be customised. Use the 'message guide' button to contact me for a customised tour.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
This is a walking tour, so will be entirely on foot
Bond Street, England, England, W1S, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I can meet you at your hotel or at an underground station. If arriving by tube (underground) the suggested station is Bond Street (served by the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth Lines)
15 reviews
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